After a car accident, those involved in the crash have some work to do. Drivers must assess themselves and others for injuries, work with responding police, provide and collect insurance information, and somehow get home. After that, drivers must work with their insurance companies on their claim.
When talking with insurance adjusters about their accident, drivers often make a few common mistakes. Though some of these mistakes may seem harmless, they may cause an adjuster to deny one’s claim or incorrectly assign fault.
Avoid these mistakes to secure coverage
The following filing mistakes may provide a car insurance adjuster to deny a person coverage for an accident:
- Filing an incomplete claim: Some people do not realize the severity of the damage the accident caused. Some people file a car insurance claim without getting their car checked out or seeing a doctor. Doing so could prevent an insurance company from providing coverage for injuries discovered after filing the claim.
- Filing an unnecessary claim: Some accidents do not cause enough damage to report to an adjuster. A report on a claim well below the deductible will not help a policyholder and only serve to increase their rates. Even claims slightly above the deductible might cost a driver more in the end.
- Filing a false claim: Insurance adjusters will likely discover the truth behind any false claims. Reporting falsehoods could void a claim and compromise one’s relationship with their insurance carrier.
- Not taking photos: Adjusters will use accident scene photos to determine the extent of fault and assign coverage. Take pictures of the damage, the road conditions, weather, nearby intersections or traffic lights, etc.
- Provide complete details: Adjusters need more than photos to determine the circumstances of the accident. Detail the car’s after-market amenities, affected personal items and more.
- Providing too much info: Drivers should not provide too much information, however. Adjusters only need the basic facts of the accident. Qualifying or evaluating the extent of the damage or injuries could compromise one’s claim.
- Commenting on one’s health: Adjusters will call those involved in an accident and ask questions. Reporting on one’s health, like saying that they are “fine,” could prompt an adjuster to deny medical coverage due to a lack of injury.
Consider legal counsel when dealing with insurance companies
Dealing with insurance companies can cause considerable stress. People who hire a local lawyer familiar with New York car accident laws find more success in working with adjusters, submitting accurate claims and securing the coverage they deserve.